The Virtual Pew Daily: February 2009

Monday, February 23, 2009

The Oscars Review 2009

I haven’t done an Oscar Review in the past because I frankly didn’t care much for watching the Oscars AKA as the Academy Awards over the last few years. I would tune in of course, but I just wasn’t that interested. This year, Slumdog Millionaire gave me a movie to root for and Hugh Jackman gave me a host to want to watch so, I tuned in with intent and thought I would jot down my thoughts this year.

First, I have made it clear, I love the movies, and I have since a small child. I also love finding spiritual components to think about when watching the movies. It isn’t really that different than Jesus telling stories in the Bible known as parables. In fact, the Bible states about Jesus, “He never taught them anything without first telling them stories.” Movies today are the most popular form of story telling, and just like Jesus, if we look, we can find spiritual truths in those stories we see portrayed on the big screen. Seeing those movies is something I do quite a bit of, to watch the program known around the world as the award show honoring those stories is a celebration extraordinaire.

This year I was actually pleased with the production that was a throw back to the “Golden Age of Cinema” which featured song and dance and then some. The show started off in a terrific way with actor Hugh Jackman.

Jackman is likely the surprise for many who watched the show. He did a wonderful job and it didn’t take long for him to get off on the right foot as he did a terrific montage tribute in song and dance. Jackman may have been one of the three huge winners of the night. He was entertaining, fun to watch, full of wit, and moments of humor and intriguing commentary appropriate for the format he was in. Jackman has this likeable personality, but seeing his ability to perform in the opening segment as well as his duet and tribute with Beyonce was impressive to say the least. We saw a reminder of the “Golden Age” that was well fitting, and entertaining from a popular actor that many of us didn’t realize had the ability to pull it off.

Another winner at the Oscars was the movie Slumdog Millionaire. The winner of 8 awards from 9 different categories, (It had 2 songs in the best song category.) The winners of multiple awards including Best Director, and Best Picture this thriving, emotional movie leaves the viewer with hope, and the underdog story from the slums continues to overcome. To think this movie was almost released directly to DVD because of its inability to find funding to end up garnishing the accolades it has is amazing. In a world where multitudes of people are losing hope, we can watch a movie like this and find hope because the movie has as a main point of its theme, hope.

One of my favorite moments in the Oscar’s this year was the acceptance speech from A.R. Rahman for one of his two awards for Score and Song for Slumdog Millionaire. His acceptance speech was short in length, but deep in meaning. He simply said: “My whole life I’ve had the option of hate or love, I chose love and here I am now.” What a reminder of the importance of love, a sweet comment with a reminder to all of us that there are rewards for letting love drive our actions and lives.

Other moments that moved me and had me personally enjoying the awards this year were varied. The simplicity of the awards were pretty good and enjoyable this year, more so than in recent past years. One of the features used by the Academy was to use past presenters to announce each of the nominees. They had short speeches and would add personal moments to the nominees mention. It was a pleasure to see the emotion in the eyes of not only the presenters but those receiving the nomination. While these are actors and actresses, we forget they are real people with real emotions. To see this has always been one of the pleasing moments of this and virtually every other Oscar program.

I was also pleased to see the Jerry Lewis tribute this year. Mr. Lewis has done a lot of quality work to help “Jerry’s Kids” over the years. This award shows that many of the great stars do give back to their communities and bless in some ways those who have blessed them with a good living. Lewis looked much better than he has in the past and to see the expressions between his wife and daughter was touching. While his speech was short, he made a point to recognize his kids in his speech. He was also kind in his comments to his fans and the members of the Academy.

There were also funny moments at the Oscars, although not as many as in some past shows but the impression of Jaquim Phoenix by Ben Stiller via reminding us of the recent David Letterman appearance was spot on and really funny. What was even funnier was the crowds and audience response. There were literally tears coming from the eyes of many of the Hollywood crowd and stars.

With all of the good moments, I have to make mention for at least me, some of the disappointing moments of the awards.

While some may not think the award deserving the Supporting Actor award for the late Heath Ledger was to me very deserving. It may have been the one single award most people were looking forward to. The acceptance of the award by the family of Heath Ledger was somewhat of a let down. I mean no disrespect, but for some reason I expected more.

I was also disappointed in the presentation by Bill Maher. His comments against religion during the documentary awards announcements were in my opinion, disrespectful. He was one of the few who used the platform to push his agenda. I have a love hate respect for Maher, and he lost more respect from me. Of course, I don’t think he cares what I think. I think the comment regarding choosing to love or hate by Rahman of Slumdog Millionaire is something Maher could learn from.

There was another moment where politics worked its way into the presentation that was with the award for Best Actor given to Sean Penn. Penn love him or hate him, has been outspoken about his political views for some time. I am not as offended at that as many may be because at least Penn chooses to act on his convictions rather than just talk about them but I have to admit, I wasn’t pulling for this former Ridgemont High student. I was pulling for Mickey Rourke who really was the comeback kid this year. So my disappointment here wasn’t so much against Penn’s political commentary, as it was I wanted Rourke to win the award.

The biggest disappointment of the Awards may have gone unnoticed by some, but it had me in my recliner, yelling at the producers and directors of the television program. One of my favorite moments of each Oscar presentation is the tribute paid to those who have died during the previous year. This year, I thought the formula, the camera angels, was not only disrespectful to those who had died, but disrespectful to the viewer. I have a large screen television, but the cut backs, the angles prevented us from seeing many of the individuals who had died. I had seen enough of the staging during the performance; I didn’t really care to see more of it during this segment while seeing a small screen on my screen paying supposed tribute to these great Hollywood elite. I would hope, in the future, when showing the tribute segment, let us see a front on view of those who have passed on, just show the full screen to us the viewers at home. I would like to see honor given those individuals and an awareness of their work presented in a way that those who may not have known them, can at least read and see their names to maybe encourage some of them to go out and check the work these individuals had given to us in the past.

I must also make mention of my happiest moment during the Oscar presentation, that is the announcement of Slumdog Millionaire as the best picture of the year. I simply loved this movie and hope the award inspires others to see it. For many, it is likely to enforce the view I have, that movies can inspire hope. Slumdog Millionaire may very well be the movie that inspires people to not give up in this time of discomfort for many on our planet.

There was another big winner this year. While the critics can find reason to be critical, I believe most who watched the Oscars enjoyed the show, it is therefore, the viewer who also won. In a time when we worry about jobs, the economy, war and much more, it is important to find moments of escapism. Sometimes that escapism can inspire us, move us, touch us, and help us know more about God, through story. Whether the commentary of one critical of religion, one who comments on the concepts of love and its power over hate, or a sincere aspect of speaking out for another, whether we appreciate it or not, movies can touch us, and the Oscars this year reminded us of how powerfully they can touch us.

The following is the video for the winner of the best song award, Jai Ho. Click on the video to watch, or if the video don't appear, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEsMNODj8YU

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Friday, February 20, 2009

Jack Bauer and 24's Redemption

I have to admit, come Monday nights, at 9 PM Eastern, and 8 PM Central, you can’t reach me via telephone, so the lesson here is, don’t even try. On Monday nights my wife and I watch my favorite television show 24. The exploits of Jack Bauer played by Kiefer Sutherland has kept me captive for years now. I enjoy 24 so much that I always purchase the DVD season episodes when released. I got hooked when watching season 1 on DVD and found myself involved in a marathon of watching every episode in less than 2 days.

24 is written and directed by some of the best in television, not just television but all of film. This season started off somewhat different as it started as a movie episode titled Redemption. The prequel to this season picked up after season 6.

Jack, in the turmoil that has engulfed CTU has him going to Africa to the fictional country of Sangala. While there, he becomes involved in an upheaval and revolt against the countries current political leaders. In 24 Redemption Jack is staying with and helping a Children’s mission. When approached with conflict and the children being taken into slavery to fight in that countries civil war Jack resorts back to his old ways to provide safety and escape for the children.

In the spirit of the movie, Blood Diamonds and the powerful documentary, Invisible Children, 24 Redemption takes a powerful look at how children around the world are exploited. We see children taking up arms, trained for war, and used as tools to satisfy the lusts and desires of those seeking power. 24 Redemption is powerful because it opens the eyes of a viewing public who may not be aware of these types of activities. This particular episode holds the viewer captive and is directed in such a way that we find ourselves challenged as to the conditions of these children and our lack of action or knowledge. My wife and I were so moved that we decided to go through Compassion International and support a little girl through their program to help provide escape from the horror she faces on a day to day bases. 24 Redemption is a movie that used television to have a dramatic impact. A television program can do more than entertain; it can address important social issues.

In 24 Redemption, we see Jack go through a form of Redemption as he realizes the need of his own character to serve others. He has become consumed in himself and quickly realizes that the use of his talents and gifts has to be used for the right reason. Sutherland in his portrayal of Jack Bauer plays the character as few could. Going through his own issues in life for Sutherland plays a part that likely resembles his own search for meaning. In the character of Jack Bauer, we can learn as hopefully he has that life is sometimes about doing right. This concept not only complicates the story line we are used to in 24, it caused at least this one viewer to be drawn even more into the characters. We see a different Jack in 24 Redemption, it is a Jack that we hopefully see more of in the future.

There are many aspects of giving up ones life to save others illustrated in 24 Redemption. We see religion portrayed in a loving, caring way, especially towards innocent children. This episode shows the need to be aware of injustices on our planet, even if using a fictional country; the issues addressed are real. I was reminded of the Bible verse that states, how can we say we love God, if we see someone in need, have the means to provide for them and don’t? Thankfully movies like 24 Redemption challenges us and makes us aware of these issues.

24 the television series is in full swing now. The same captivating, cliff hanger stories continue as expected. The viewer is confronted with issues like torture, terrorism, political espionage, and more. We learn that the answers we seek in life are not always as easy as we think. Jack Bauer is the driving force for those issues and questions, but with Jack, as we see in 24 Redemption, we see a struggle with doing what is right. That is a struggle we are all confronted with, and it is a journey that keeps life just as exciting as a cliff-hanger episode of 24 if we allow.

The following is the official trailer for the television movie now available on DVD. If the video don't appear, just click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STYKG8KVqF4

The following video has interviews with the cast about Redemption

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnZkPC-I1ng

Thursday, February 19, 2009

The Virtual Pew News 19 - Reflections

I know it has been a while since the last newsletter but I also know many understand. I hope each person receiving this has signed up for The Virtual Pew updates and the Mosaic Church updates. You can do that by subscribing to various lists on the Newsletter page at our home page, http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ You can tell a lot about what has been going on by making sure you subscribe to all of the blogs and article RSS feeds. There are links to do those things at each of the posted articles. Now on to the newsletter update titled, Reflections.

Today I want to reflect on the ministry I have with The Virtual Pew and Mosaic Church. One has to understand what drives me. I don’t know how better to explain that than to state some things I have been reflecting on lately.

I have been doing a lot of reading, a good thing; it means I am back in the gym. I have finished 4 books so far and am now reading another book by Creston Mapes, titled Nobody. I started reading it sometime ago but things got hectic, so 2 days ago I started it over. I am amazed at how similar things have been that I have been reading lately. It seems as if there is a lot of emphasis on helping the poor, the homeless, the downtrodden and so forth. Those things were illustrated to me today as I sat down and willingly and intentionally gave a homeless guy my absolute last $2. I concluded 3 weeks ago that I was going to do this after a Bible Study I was doing with Mosaic Church here in Wichita. Today, I practiced that concept, giving to the point of sacrifice, unconditionally to someone in need.

It seems as if finance has always been an issue. I grew up without money, have had to work for what I do have. I know in fact, because some have let me know, they take issue with the fact that as a ministry I ask for financial support. Some have been outspoken in public ways, not realizing the work and effort that goes out, or simply not caring, unfortunately this is an attitude that many have, and they simply don’t care about the poor and needy. Growing up poor, pride was a big issue; truth is, in some ways it still is. I actually hate asking for financial help, but it must be done.

I was talking to my wife last night; I don’t know if folks realize how hard I actually work in ministry. Just this week, I have been there to help encourage a girl going through abuse issues at home, a young man who is feeling rejected and left out, another who faces the certainty of becoming homeless, and yet another lady who feels rejected and abandoned, seemingly having no friends or people around her who understand. Believe me, I wish it were not so, but this is only a sampling of the work this week. These types of ministry, encouragement, love and so forth takes time, yet little income comes in. I don’t complain about that, it seems as if God always provides a way. I take some honor and am grateful in knowing some people give because they believe and know what we are doing.

While I haven’t “officially” taken a “vow of poverty,” it seems like that is par for the course. I am reminded; this is God’s work, not mine. Being a college graduate with graduate studies, and former executive experience, having made decent money, I know what I have given up to do this work, that said, when someone tells me, “Thank you, I don’t know what I would have done without you Mike.” Or, “Mike I really believe you have brought me closer to God.” I know that what I do can’t have a value placed on it. I also know, I am not doing this alone, each person who has helped, has helped me do this work.

I also know that sometimes people make promises, then for whatever reason, they realize they can’t follow through. I am okay with that but I do ask folks to prayerfully take seriously the commitments they make. I had numerous people who promised some level of help around Christmas when I went to visit my mother in the hospital. For a larger ministry, these things likely don’t matter, for a ministry like The Virtual Pew, it matters a great deal.

Right now, The Virtual Pew has $8 in our account, I don’t get paid from Mosaic until the last day of this month, and so far this month, The Virtual Pew has had nothing come in. In the next month, there is much ministry that needs to be done, for me to meet my basic financial obligations I need at least $300 a month to come into The Virtual Pew, for additional ministry, we need more than that. There are these needs plus the desire to spend more time with my mom in Tennessee in March, for that to take place, I need an additional $300-$500 to come in.

Many of us are only a few weeks away from being homeless. We live in a time where finances are tough, but if people gave $5 here, or $10 there, a huge difference could be made. I’m not talking specifically about The Virtual Pew, but various local ministries. My challenge is that each recipient of this newsletter would give money to smaller ministries that need it, maybe a local homeless shelter, half way house, maybe a home for battered women, any number of areas that signify you care for The Lost, The Last and The Least.

All of this said I feel great! I don’t make what I used to, but you really can’t pay to see the things I have seen happen. The great thing about it though, is each of you can take part in ministry. You can make a difference in the life of someone who needs it. I remember the words of the late Keith Green, “God wants you!”

At Mosaic, we are facing the same crunch other non profit groups and churches are. We really want to partner with local churches in the Wichita area; we need 10 people who can come on board at Mosaic that is spiritually grounded and mature enough to help lead a church to the place where we can make a difference. If living locally I ask you to consider Mosaic, if a pastor of a church, please consider letting me come and speak to your congregation about our needs and the ways you can help. God calls churches to plant other churches, this is a way you can be a part of that calling. While the additional money would be nice, 10 mature adults who can take part in our life, body, church and contribute in service and tithes or offerings would be great.

At Mosaic, we are discussing the vision and mission of Mosaic. Next week we are speaking about the ministry vision for the near future. We want to minister to our area, and in the near future we will be exploring ways to have direct ministry to the community.

The bottom line, I do love and appreciate the opportunity to minister to the folks at The Virtual Pew and I greatly love and am honored to serve Mosaic Church. I love and value each of you and appreciate your prayers and financial support to this ministry. God bless you, and God bless the work of The Virtual Pew and Mosaic.

The following is a video of the type of ministry we try to be involved in. Think it needs support? Double click on the video to watch, if for some reason it don't appear, just click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0AsP6Y70hU

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

The Velveteen Rabbit

I have to admit, while growing up I followed Michael Landon Sr. and his work. I really liked and admired him. I felt that after his death we had all lost something valuable. Society needed someone to drive home the concept of family. I was cautious when his son Michael Landon Jr. came onto the scene and appeared to take over his fathers’ vision and work. Despite the caution, I have been pleased with his efforts, and after seeing The Velveteen Rabbit which Michael Landon Jr. wrote, and directed, I have to say, I think his father would have been so proud of what his son is doing. Landon Jr. is keeping the family movie, alive with integrity and quality. For me, The Velveteen Rabbit is without question, one of the year’s big surprises.

Sometimes I get advance screeners worth watching, and others that are a waste of time. When getting The Velveteen Rabbit, I was expecting a hokey animation story done trying to capitalize off a popular story. What I got was a live action / animation blend with a very good story that was extremely entertaining and very moving emotionally. Michael Landon Jr. has directed and provided a movie sure to surprise many who see it. It is so good that I would have liked to have seen wide spread commercial theatrical release. The timing of the release of the movie is the only thing I personally question. This classic story, with a strong Christmas theme is beautiful. It isn’t the first time a potential Christmas Classic has been released outside of the Christmas season, can anyone say, It’s a Wonderful Life. While this surely won’t become as big as that movie, few will, it is destined, at least in my house, to be a regular Christmas viewing.

The first thing I noticed about The Velveteen Rabbit is the cast. While the part of Mom played by Jane Seymour is minimal we actually see quite substantive roles given by Tom Skerritt who plays Horse, and Ellen Burstyn who plays the part of Swan. Between these three we have numerous awards from Emmy’s to Oscar’s. All give credence to their craft in their contribution to the animated segments in the film. The quality doesn’t stop there in the acting. I was also quite impressed with the young boy Toby played by Matthew Harbour. This youngster gives depth to his part, and is a young man the viewer finds themselves caring for. He is surrounded by other notables like Kevin Jubinville who plays Toby’s father, John, his grandmother Ellen played Una Kay also provides wonderful depth as Toby’s grandmother. You find yourself disliking her, and then growing with her character as her character grows. Another wonderful portrayal is by Michael Sinelnkoff who plays the Butler. While having minimal screen time, he provides a voice of reason in this fascinating and addictive story.

I was concerned about the blending of animation with live action, but Landon does a very good job of blending the two to where it is not a distraction. The quality editing, direction, cinematography and periodic costuming is done very nicely and given the detail expected in a major theatrical release. I was impressed with other components of the film often neglected. The quality of sound and lighting were very well done. These are things I seldom make mention of but the effort here is worthy.

The story develops as Toby’s dad, takes him to spend the Christmas Holidays with his grandmother. Toby has lost the joy of family in the death of his mother and his father has never adjusted. Instead of giving Toby the time he needs, he isolates him and spends most of his time at work. This old tale as portrayed in the song Cats in the Cradle by Harry Chapin, is a reminder of not only fathers but adults who take time away from their children’s lives. Unfortunately for Toby, just like many other children, the adult presence with the child is limited because there is just too much going on for adults to spend time with children. In fact, Toby hasn’t even learned the most basic of skills for a boy, how to throw a ball.

While at his grandmothers, Toby finds a magic attic and it is here that life lessons occur, for Toby but also the viewer if they allow. Toby befriends a stuffed rabbit, and while shedding a tear, the rabbit comes to life and Toby discovers an animated world where he discovers love. It is here that children, in their imaginations discover the things God intended for them, often in the little things we can even learn in the faith of a child.

My son loved the television star, Lassie. I used to watch Lassie every Sunday night on television when I was young. My son, Nathan took it a step further, he would go around for what seemed like hours pretending to be Lassie, never speaking but barking, and doing all of the things Lassie did. I could have, like other parents, ignored this, but my wife quickly taught me this was okay, and to play along. We did, and I still treasure the moments of having Lassie follow me around on all fours as I would give her a treat for being such a good dog. While some think these things were crazy, we knew God gave the imagination of a child to the children for a reason. The treasured moments of spending that time with my own children, who are now both grown, is something that built relationship, it was showing each other love. The Velveteen Rabbit takes this concept of loving and being there for your children to a level that not only children will appreciate, but so will the adult audience.

As Toby goes through his journey, many things happen. We see the results of what occurs when a parent is too busy to provide these moments. The Velveteen Rabbit also shows the joy that occurs when these moments are allowed to occur. We see transformation in the lives of the live action characters, but also in the lives of the animated characters. There is one tragic scene where we learn that no greater love has any toy than to give up their life for a boy. This is an obvious lesson on the passage from the Bible that talks about loving each other.

There are other lessons and examples; we see an illustration of the great Michelangelo art, The Hand of God where we see God reaching down to touch humanity. The touch of a loving parent can resemble in some ways the touch from God. We see illustrations that loving another are worth the risk and when giving love to others we discover life. There is a concept presented that love makes us real but a beautiful reminder that it’s not love that makes us real, it is loving that makes us real. Learning to love means simple things like playing ball together, teaching a child how to hold a bat, knit a darn, it involves spending time with each other, doing things together.

Just as in real life, there are few excuses. We have all had lessons in our life; we know the joys, hurts, pains, and wants. We have people who still get it to give us reminders. One example of this in The Velveteen Rabbit is Neil, a Christmas tree salesman. While a small part, it gives illustrations and lessons to this point. We all have those reminders, unfortunately, it often takes a tragedy, or potential tragedy, to bring us back to a place of understanding, a place of, if you will, loving.

The Velveteen Rabbit is a Chronicles of Narnia type of tale filled with magic and allegory. It is a movie that touches all audiences, not just children, but the child buried in each person. It is those types of lessons where we can find joy and escape the doldrums that hold us down. Children still have the magic if we allow it to happen and don’t squelch it. The magic can be contagious if we as adults join in the fun, join in the journey with our children.

I loved the Velveteen Rabbit because it is a wonderful reminder of loving others and being a parent. My wife, a teacher of over 30 years now, and I both unexpectedly teared up while watching this film. I didn’t expect this movie to do that for me. It was more than joy though, it was a life lesson I wish I would have had some years ago to remind me of my own needs. I can’t help but think, Michael Landon Sr. is looking down from Heaven, realizing, and knowing that his son is carrying on his vision and dream. I expect he is smiling and for those who have longed for quality family entertainment, seeing this movie will have you smiling as well.

While not a perfect movie, The Velveteen Rabbit is an exceptional movie. On a scale of 1 – 10, for the 9 letters in the word Christmas, minus a little boy named Toby, I give a very deserving and enjoyable 8.

To visit the official website for The Velveteen Rabbit movie click here.

To see the trailer for the movie, just double click on the video below, if the video don't appear, just click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aq0TVEQIaVA

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Why the Hell?

I wrote something today as I thought, “Why the hell do people still try to control and obtain power over others?” Don’t get me wrong, it is not like I am in some kind of a jerk mood or anything, but I am personally tired of seeing good things ruined by control, I am tired of seeing good people manipulated and used by others to accomplish their dreams while at the same time, leaving corpses on the side of the road.

Jesus was about so much more than that; it seems as if the church has forgotten that and the world frankly at times just don’t care. Is it any wonder that people are still hurting? Is it any wonder that so many have given up hope? We see murders set free, the poor locked up, and the sick left behind.

Let’s make more money! We can’t afford to take care of the poor! They deserve what they get! My political party is right! You’re going to hell! Obama is the devil! American love it or leave it! We are a Christian nation! I am God! Screw You!

It seems as if the above are the norm more than the exception. People have these attitudes, these opinions, and that seems to be the focus of life. I wonder, is this anything like Jesus? Is the attitude of it all being about me the attitude God wants for us?

Why do we ignore sayings like, “It is easier for a rich man to get into the kingdom of heaven than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle.” “If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn and let them strike the other.” “Love your neighbor as yourself.” “If you can’t love your neighbor who you can see, how can you say you love God whom you’ve never seen?” “You’ll be forgiven by the measure of which you have forgiven others.” “Love your enemies, pray for those that would do you harm.” “If you see someone in need, and you have the means to provide for them do so. Stop loving each other in words only, love each other in deed.”

I don’t have all the answers, heck, sometimes I think I have too many questions, but, I can’t help but ask those questions. People are dying in the richest nation on earth because they can’t afford health care and we don’t seem to care. People ignore this, they think anyone can get health care. Please, come and let me show you, not tell you, but show you. Children will go hungry tonight, while some throw away enough food from their dinner at a fine restaurant that could feed 3 or 4 children. Some will spend more money today on a movie, than some people have to pay for electricity in a cold or hot house. It costs pennies to save the life of a child dying from malaria, yet we will spend more money on bubblegum than we will time thinking about a person dying from a preventable disease. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying it is wrong to eat at a nice restaurant, or even see a good movie, but at whose expense to we refuse to help where we can?

Where is Jesus? Does he still care? Why doesn’t he do something? I think he is here, weeping at our lack of compassion, he chooses to use us, but for some reason, it doesn’t seem like too many people care. Yet we keep on keeping on at not loving, not showing compassion to a hurting child, an abused mother, a homeless veteran, a sick father. I am reminded of Matthew 25: 31-46

(31) When the Son of Man comes in his glory with all of his angels, he will sit on his royal throne. (32) The people of all nations will be brought before him, and he will separate them, as shepherds separate their sheep from their goats.
(33) He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. (34) Then the king will say to those on his right, "My father has blessed you! Come and receive the kingdom that was prepared for you before the world was created. (35) When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat, and when I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I was a stranger, you welcomed me, (36) and when I was naked, you gave me clothes to wear. When I was sick, you took care of me, and when I was in jail, you visited me."

(37) Then the ones who pleased the Lord will ask, "When did we give you something to eat or drink? (38) When did we welcome you as a stranger or give you clothes to wear (39) or visit you while you were sick or in jail?"

(40) The king will answer, "Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me."

(41) Then the king will say to those on his left, "Get away from me! You are under God's curse. Go into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels! (42) I was hungry, but you did not give me anything to eat, and I was thirsty, but you did not give me anything to drink. (43) I was a stranger, but you did not welcome me, and I was naked, but you did not give me any clothes to wear. I was sick and in jail, but you did not take care of me."

(44) Then the people will ask, "Lord, when did we fail to help you when you were hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in jail?"

(45) The king will say to them, "Whenever you failed to help any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you failed to do it for me."

(46) Then Jesus said, "Those people will be punished forever. But the ones who pleased God will have eternal life."

I know those words may offend some, but I didn’t write them, God did, as to that thing I wrote today, it follows, it is filled with symbolism, some will get it, some won’t. That don’t surprise me though, I know I’m not alone in these thoughts, I know I’m not alone in my desires. I have said it before, I will say it again, it’s time for many of us to: Stand Up!

What the Hell

I know I’m a dreamer
There are things I can do
I know who’s the schemer
I think it’s you

I believe in justice
I believe in right
You practice injustice
You live in the night

You think you have the power
You think we’re all the same
I refuse to cower
You’re the one to blame

You make your decisions
You think you know it all
You like to steal visions
Hell No, you will fall

I know I’m a dreamer
There are things I can do
I know who’s the schemer
I think it’s you

The poor they are humble
The rich are full of pride
The godless, they will crumble
The son is on my side

What will you do, how will you show love today? The following video represents one way you can show love, one way you can show compassion. Just click on the video, if for some reason the video don't appear, just click on the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2RrIZci2Bg

Friday, February 6, 2009

Lord Save Us From Your Followers

I am approaching 50 years of age, I was once a tough guy, at least some think so. Many when looking at me now with the goatee, long hair, seem to think I still am, yet, the older I get, the more I search for an understanding of God, Spirituality, and discovering the place I need to be according to my understanding of that search, the more emotional I find myself being when I find either new answers that will take me in a new direction, or in obtaining reassurance that I am on the right path to where I need to be going. One of the beautiful things about this journey is that sometimes, in fact, more often than I really deserve, I get to see movies, read books, hear music that I believe God has touched to help me in that understanding. It isn’t always something super spiritual; in fact, one of the first instances of this in my life that had a dramatic impact was the movie The Prince of Tides which I write about in my book, The Keystone Kid. There are other times though, times God uses something with spiritual intent to point me to spiritual conclusions. Sometimes when this happens, that formerly big tough guy gets emotional; such was the case this morning after finishing my viewing of the new, sure to be controversial documentary, “Lord Save Us From Your Followers, The Movement Edition, Why Is The Gospel Of Love Dividing America?” I was so moved by knowing that I am on the right journey, have come to some of the right conclusions, that I found myself weeping. It wasn’t so much for me, I would say it was for the hurt I feel for the Church that has forgotten about the mission of Jesus, and especially those who have been hurt. There was also tears for those that get it and are being Jesus to a hurting world.

This film by Dan Merchant should be required viewing and discussion for any church. The good thing is that some churches will take up this task; the sad thing is, most churches, will ignore the challenge. It is a shame; it is why the Church as perceived by many has become more like the whore of Hosea than a beautiful bride that loves her husband, Jesus Christ.

Lord Save Us From Your Followers, (LSUFYF), is a documentary exploration that explores the Church, specifically in America. In the exploration we see not only the perception of the church from various segments of society, but also how many within the Church, and the political influence outside of the Church views themselves. It is a road journey of sorts where discussion takes place not only on the streets of various cities, but with certain public individuals who have offered public perspectives. From Al Frankin, to Ann Coulter, and from Bono of U2 to Anthony Campolo, and numerous other views are presented and challenged. The movie while quoting and using the Bible at various points depends largely on common sense. The majority of the documentary actually takes on the exploration of ideas of how the Church and Christianity would be viewed if they did one simple thing, act like Jesus. The effects, the challenges that come about are not only eye opening; they are concepts that are effective. We see the effectiveness of this approach in various places it seems the Church has been at war with, from the media to gay community and from the public sector to the homeless and poor. We see this by practical applications of trial and error by the makers of the film, and we see it from the reality of the impact of Para church organizations like World Vision in their work with the poor in Ethiopia. One of the amazing points in showing the power of being like Jesus comes not at the mouths of the religious, but those who are outside of the institutional Church, or mainstream Christianity. It is here, that if those individual people who make up the Church, choose to listen, and learn, a great deal of effective work can be done. Now don’t get me wrong, one of the reasons I loved this movie is it isn’t that we do these things to make projects out of people, we do it because we love them, just as Jesus loved them.

One of the things I think some within Christianity and the Church will become critical of is that the movie doesn’t address the “salvation” concepts required by some within Christian circles. On this point I would simply state, I don’t believe that is the purpose of the film. In the Bible Jesus tells the story about one who is planting or sowing seeds. Some fall on good ground, some bad ground, there are some that come and help some along to grow and be effective and some, well some seeds die. It all starts with the concept of planting seeds or sowing seeds, it is a concept that I believe the Church, and many with Christianity have forgotten about. It is an approach that drives the work I am involved in, it is an approach that many find fault in. I love this movie though because it addresses the idea that the building of relationship, the showing of unconditional love, of universal acceptance of the person, compassion for their hurts, is a starting point of showing a person the very love that Jesus showed them. It is in taking on the characteristics of Jesus that we genuinely learn to love others to the point that this love ultimately becomes a natural part of our persona. Jesus loved and hurt all people, so should we, including the child dying of aids, the hurting in a hurricane devastated city, the homeless on the street, even those we may disagree with, the Democrat, the Republican, the Homosexual, and the Ultra Conservative. Love is patient, love is kind, love is…, well love is many things, but it is seldom confrontational, angry, hateful, and disrespecting.

One of the challenges presented in LSUFYF is the need for open, respectful dialog with persons we may disagree with. The need to get to know and understand each other is one of the things the documentary helps illustrate many Christians do a poor job of. For those of us who call ourselves followers of Jesus or Christian, we think we have all of the answers, yet we don’t understand those we are communicating with. In theological terms, getting to know people, showing people you love them where they are at is a concept we know Jesus illustrated, it is a concept called incarnation. Despite what some contemporary, popular Churches, Doctrines, Street Preachers, Bible Thumpers, may tell you, Jesus illustrated by how he led his life the methods we should use. Followers of Jesus understand what it means to love even those they may hate, what does this say about our ability to love those we simply disagree with on various points? While there is certainly the need for talking about the specifics of what Jesus said, that discussion has to start with an area of respect and understanding. Unfortunately, many who call themselves Christian, represent in name all of us who say we follow Jesus. The consequences of that has been devastating and in many ways, it is likely those individuals who are so dogmatic in their need to “confront sin,” have damaged the possibility of some people rejecting Jesus based solely on the behaviors and actions of those most outspoken who have proclaimed their actions was because of Jesus. When religious leaders call for the assassination of political leaders, or political leaders say we should kill all of the godless in a nation and make that nation a Christian nation, is it any wonder people are confused? When Jesus says to love your enemy, to pray for those that would do you harm, where does his followers get off saying and doing the exact opposite? When we do, is it any wonder people are confused? When taking these questions, our methods, and our results seriously, is it any wonder that real followers of Jesus would say about many in Christianity, Lord Save Us From Your Followers?

The following is a 10 minute sample of the film, double click on the video to watch, if the video don't appear, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbPnWPOhL04

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